Today, Rep. Henry Cuellar announced the reauthorization of the Head Start for School Readiness Act, which gives young children the tools they need to succeed in school. The passage of this crucial legislation authorizes $7.4 billion for FY 2008, $7.7 billion for FY 2009, $7.9 billion for FY 2010, and similar sums as may be necessary in FY 2011 and FY 2012.

“The reauthorization of the Head Start program will have a tremendous impact on the lives of thousands of children in this area,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Providing our children with the necessary tools they need in their early stages of life is crucial in their developmental stage. A message has been sent that securing the well-being of our children is an issue that we take very seriously in Congress.”

This bipartisan legislation improves Head Start teacher and classroom quality, strengthens the program’s focus on readiness, expands access to Head Start for more children, and ensures that centers are well run. In addition, it boasts coordination between Head Start and state and local programs, and improves comprehensive services that help children by helping their families.

This legislation also includes an amendment by Congressman Cuellar that asks for an assessment to determine progress made by limited English proficient children.

“This is important because it allows for Head Start service providers to be more consistent in their instruction,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Educators will learn from the practices of their colleagues and will share ideas and make informed decisions.”

Head Start, which started in 1965, is a comprehensive child development and early education program for low-income children up to five years of age. The regular Head Start program serves children from three to five and the Early Head Start program serves infants and toddlers up to age three.

Through its programs, Head Start serves more than 3,100 children in the Laredo area and more than one million across the nation.

“On behalf of all the staff, parents, and children of the Webb County Head Start program, we want to express our appreciation to Congressman Henry Cuellar for supporting this legislation. Without the help of legislators like Congressman Cuellar, who is a well known champion of children's programs and education in general, Head Start would not exist,” said Aliza Oliveros, Director of the Webb County Head Start Program.

Mary Capello, Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Migrant Council (TMC), shared similar thoughts: “After seven years of working with Federal Legislators from the eight states we serve and the different organizations involved in Head Start programs, I am ecstatic that the Head Start for School Readiness Act has been passed. As a Head Start super grantee, TMC looks forward to continuing the same excellent services that have been provided to children and their families for the last 36 years and creating early education experiences that will last a lifetime.”

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.
 
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